Quote:
Originally Posted by SethPDX
Dang, if people are calling stolen bases from the inside I really need to work on my hustle! 
And I never heard of position D. I just always thought of it as making an adjustment to your position C if needed. |
in my area, we call it Pos D to differentiate it from Pos C which is about 2 steps to the left of Pos D. Depending on the age group (kids that won't hit the ball really far...), I sometimes go inside of 2nd base when a runner is exclusively on 3rd to get a better angle on the pickoff attempt and to be closer to a play at first. My UIC lets me get away with it only in certain situations and he agrees that it is a better angle. Yes, I do run the risk of getting hit by a batted ball which is why he won't let me do it at the higher levels...and I also do baseball, so I am quite familiar with the inside angle and dodging batted balls...
To call the stolen base from the inside, here's why I do it: I get paired up with a lot of plate umps who either have really bad knees and can't really move that well or I get paired with plate umps who don't really know to cover third on a stolen base attempt at 2nd in case of an overthrow. This allows me to quickly get in position to call it at 3rd.
How I do it: I observe where the 2B and 1B are situated. I pick a spot I'm comfortable with, on either shoulder of the 2B. I cheat up on the baseline a bit. On the pickoff to 1st, I make sure the runner is diving back, I then take about 3 big steps inside, turn, and can see the pickoff attempt crystal clear (and I'm already inside in case of an overthrow). I don't move inside until I see the ball has left the catcher's hand and the runner is diving back. I move really fast on this. If the runner is stealing, I let the runner pass me, as soon as she passes me, I chase/cross behind her and now I'm on the inside, I keep the runner's distance to 2nd in my peripheral vision, and I watch the catcher, if the catcher throws, I take a few steps for a good angle, always keeping my eye on the ball so I don't get hit. I never cross the imaginary line that goes from HP to 2B. I tend to inch closer to the pitcher's circle to get under the ball's arc to further avoid getting hit and to not shield the 2B or SS's view of the throw. Then I make the call. If there is no play at 2nd, I'll pause, let the catcher throw to the pitcher and then I'll quickly sprint to the C Position.
This is a non-standard mechanic, I use it because I am fast enough to get inside. I will stay outside if I cannot get inside adequately. I like the inside view as it is the same view I get in baseball and it's a better view. I'm not the most in shape ump but I can motor around the bases pretty well. I get my speed from reffing football where we REALLY have to run and make calls on the run...
I know i'm supposed to fight with my partner over getting to do the plate but if my partner really can't move that well, I'm not going to let him suffer on the bases, I'll motor around on the bases and he can hang out at home plate...